Travel and Leisure

The number-one rule in packing for a trip is to pack lightly because we often forget how frequently we'll have to lift or carry our luggage during our travels. Consider how, you'll be dragging your luggage into the trunk of your car and out again, through the airport, off of the luggage carousel, through another airport, back into the trunk of your rental car and out again until finally you get to the hotel where hopefully they'll have a porter. On top of having to lug your bags around, your airline will have strict rules on the size, weight and the number of bags you can travel with--for both carry-on and checked baggage. Make sure you check your airline's website for current information on restrictions and don't assume that what you took last time will be allowed this time--especially if you are travelling on a different airline. Luggage size and weight restrictions can vary by airline or travel destination. *MONEY-SAVING TRAVEL TIP* Packing lightly for your trave...

Luggage Selection Thinking about buying some new luggage to take with you on holiday or your next business trip? Welcome to a minefield of decisions and pitfalls in the area luggage selection! So, let's get straight onto the big questions of the day. To Roll or Not to Roll? One of the biggest decisions you're going to have to make is whether you're a roller or a lifter. Luggage with rolling wheels can make moving around the airport a breeze but it also adds to the weight of the luggage. So if you're a lifter you're going to have to avoid the wheels. One of the most bizarre sights at airports is the amount of lifters you see carrying luggage with wheels, so don't think you'd be the first to make this elementary mistake. Soft Case, Hard Case? The next complication is whether to go hard or soft. Luggage for the hard case fancier is quite heavy but it's generally quite tough for when the baggage handlers get rough and they don't need to be quit...

I consider myself to be a professional Branson traveler. I might as well pay taxes in the town since I am there so much. As a child, my family traveled to this exciting destination almost every year. I did go on a Branson fast for a few years during college, but for the last seven years I have indulged in a Branson Buffet. From memory, I can recite the names of almost every show in town. I can direct you to any theatre, regardless of its' location. And you had better believe I have a strong opinion on every show and attraction in town. Yes, I am a 28-year old Branson fanatic. Basic Facts If you have never traveled to Branson you might be asking yourself what it is that makes Branson, Missouri so special. It is in the middle of nowhere and yet it is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Actually Branson is special for many reasons. While Branson may seem to be in the middle of nowhere, it is actually in the middle of everywhere. Branson is one of America'...

The thrill of planning a trip will often light you up and consume all of your time. You look through guidebooks, talk to friends about their experiences, and research your itinerary on the internet. Still all this planning and research will not make the task of packing any less daunting. Who hasn't stood at the foot of their bed with empty suitcases spread on top, the night before a big trip, filled with anxiety because you still haven't packed?!?! You try and try to think about exactly what you should be packed, throwing things in and then taking them out. And you wonder, why didn't any of the guidebooks give you any advice on packing? Well, hopefully this guide will help you, so that you can confidently pack and enjoy the moments leading up to your trip, rather than being stressed over the contents of your bag. Luggage - I recommend taking one carry-on and one checked suitcase. Shorter trips may allow for a carry-on only, but I would never take more than one checked bag n...